Social Worker

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Together, we are shaping children's social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we are committed to delivering lasting change by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach. We’ve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are ambitious and want to do even better We are a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with, including the successful operation of our transformational model Family Support and Safeguarding. Main duties of the job You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families' voices are heard and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the Assistant/Team Manager is kept fully appraised of significant information. Most importantly, you will ensure provision of good quality services which integrate government and local guidance and initiatives including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together, local Child Protection and Looked After Children procedures, and the DfE assessment framework. You will prepare and submit written reports as required, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings. You will undertake child and family assessments, investigate allegations of harm or neglect under s47 Children Act 1989 when required, and maintain accurate case records using ICT to meet key performance management data. About us As a qualified experienced Social Worker, you will possess good working knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, groups and partner agencies. To succeed in this role, you will have a good understanding of safeguarding, relevant legislation, guidance, policy and procedures, and the values and principles of Family Support and Safeguarding. It will be hugely beneficial for you to have working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the cycle of change and their application in social work with children and families. Your supportive, energised nature will help you chair meetings and proactively engage with partner agencies. It is essential that you are able to travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area and at short notice. Rewards and benefits Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500. Relocation allowance of up to £8,000. Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays). A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24/7. Range of family‑friendly policies. Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all. Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service. Our commitment to: Safeguarding Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments. Our commitment to: Flexible Working We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi‑time, part‑time working, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. Follow us on Social Media: Stay up‑to‑date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chatCharlotte PhilipCharlotte.Philip@oxfordshire.gov.uk If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr